Q. Why recycle?

A: Used Lead Acid Batteries, (ULABs) contain lead, lead compounds, sulphuric acid and polypropylene, all of which are endlessly recyclable. Manufacturing new products from recycled rather than virgin materials can deliver a 40% saving* on energy input by limiting mining and transportation and substantial reductions in carbon output and water use.

*Source: AN EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY RATIONALE FOR USED LEAD ACID BATTERIES; TOTAL ENVIRONMENT CENTRE LEVEL 4, 78 LIVERPOOL ST, SYDNEY NSW 2000.

Q. What if I don’t recycle?

A: Used Lead Acid batteries that end up in household rubbish can contaminate the organic waste recycling stream and render organic compost un-useable. Material that would otherwise be reclaimed for use as compost must be land filled. Furthermore ULABs in land fill contaminate the soil and can leach acid, lead and other pollutants into ground water. It is estimated that each ULAB disposed of in household rubbish costs governments $62.50 in detection, removal, and decontamination of organic waste. Councils pass this cost onto consumers which increases the cost of disposing of all waste.

ULABs DO NOT BELONG IN YOUR WHEELIE BIN.

If Used Lead Acid batteries are dumped in bushland or waterways then the lead and acid can contaminate the natural environment and release toxins into the food chain and local ecologies. Lead and plastic illegally dumped will continue to pollute for hundreds of years. Please always take your used lead acid batteries to a Century Yuasa Battery Recycling Centre.

3. What happens to my old battery?

Lead acid batteries are 98% recyclable.

1. The sulphuric acid from the process is neutralized with soda ash and the resulting salt is concentrated into sodium sulphate crystals for sale as an export replacement into the Australian market place for use in the glass, soap and paper industries.
 

2. The raw lead product is refined to produce London Metal Exchange quality pure and alloy lead for use in manufacturing a host of lead products.
 

3. The chipped polypropylene is separated from the non poly plastics and sent for recycling as a raw material in the manufacture of a range of plastic products.
 

Your old used lead acid battery will be delivered to our recycling partner where it will be processed through a hammer mill which breaks apart the components and separates them into plastics, acids and lead. Each of these materials is then sent to the appropriate facility for cleaning, chipping or melting and then onto various manufacturers to be turned into anything from guide posts to x-ray shields.

Q. Are all battery collectors the same?

A: No. Some scrap metal recyclers are interested only in the lead component and dispose of the plastics and acid to land fill or illegal dumping. Century Yuasa Battery recycling Centres take responsibility for all components of your used battery and ensure the entire battery is recycled.

Q. Are lead acid batteries hazardous?

A: Yes. Although the toxic components are initially contained in a plastic case, there is still a possibility of the case cracking or acid spilling if the battery is turned upside down or dropped. Battery acid is highly corrosive, highly toxic if ingested and will burn skin on contact. By taking your used battery to a Century Yuasa Battery recycling Centre as soon as possible, you limit the chances of of an accident occurring with your old battery.

Q. I have more used batteries than I can move for recycling. What should I do?

A: If you have multiple batteries, (more than 10), or if your business generates quantities of used batteries then please call 1300 650 702 to arrange for those batteries to be picked up.

Please call 1300 650 702 or contact us through www.recyclemybattery.com.au or www.centurybatteries.com.au if you have any further questions.